Bruce Pearl to be speaker at MTSU basketball event

Former Tennessee basketball coach Bruce Pearl will be the keynote speaker at MTSU's second annual Tipoff Celebration in October.

Kermit Davis wanted a media personality, a good basketball mind and a dynamic speaker for his guest at Middle Tennessee State's second annual Tipoff Celebration.

He got all three in Bruce Pearl.

The former Tennessee Vols coach and current ESPN analyst, Pearl will be the keynote speaker at the Blue Raiders' Tipoff event at MTSU's student union building Oct. 23.

"Bruce and I have been friends for a while, and obviously he has been a big personality in our state," said Davis, MTSU's all-time winningest coach.

"I think it's important that we get a guy like Bruce from ESPN, and he will see our program up close, on and off the floor.

"We sold out last year. And between Bruce coming here and the success of our teams, this should be a big event again."

ESPN analyst Jimmy Dykes served as the speaker at last year's Tipoff Celebration, and he ultimately became a public supporter of MTSU gaining an NCAA Tournament at-large bid - which the Blue Raiders received to break a 24-year Big Dance drought.

"I'm just really excited about coming to Murfreesboro and visiting with the Blue Raider fans," Pearl said. "I've followed MTSU basketball for many years. I've competed against the Blue Raiders and have a genuine fondness and respect for Coach Davis and his program."

Tickets to the Tipoff Celebration are $300 for a table of 10 or $30 per person. Fans can purchase tickets by calling Debbie Bartlett in the men's basketball office at 615-898-2916. Seating is limited. Last year's event sold out.

Like Dykes did last year, Pearl will watch the Blue Raiders practice and also speak at the event that night.

Blue Raiders cheerleaders and the pep band will be on hand, and MTSU basketball player and musician Tweety Knight will perform.

- Adam Sparks

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

Bruce Pearl to be speaker at MTSU basketball event

Former Tennessee Vols coach and current ESPN analyst Bruce Pearl will be the keynote speaker at the Blue Raiders' Tipoff event at MTSU's student union building Oct. 23.